With a stay at this vacation home in Newport Beach (Balboa Island), you'll be a 3-minute drive from Fashion Island and 6 minutes from Pelican Hill Golf Course. .This vacation home is 8.2 mi (13.1 km) from Huntington Beach Pier and 12.3 mi (19.8 km) from Irvine Spectrum Center.
Sugar n Spice Original Frozen Banana - 10 min walk
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Balboa Island-Ruby Relaxation
Two bedroom downstairs unit five houses from the beach on Balboa Island. Five minute walk to the Balboa Ferry to access the famous Balboa Fun Zone. Cruiser bicycles and beach toys (boogie boards, surf boards, beach chairs, umbrellas) on site. Perfect place to relax on a peaceful, quiet street.
Make yourself comfortable in this vacation home, which features a fireplace. There's a private patio. A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a stovetop. Conveniences include a microwave and a coffee/tea maker.
This smoke-free vacation home features beach toys, bodyboards on site, and snorkeling nearby. Recreational activities include surfing/body boarding nearby.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.
Property amenities
Beach
Beach nearby
Beach loungers
Internet
Available in the house: WiFi
Parking and transport
Car not required
Parking on site
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Electric kettle
Hob
Kitchenette
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Fireplace
Living room
Entertainment
TV
Outdoor areas
Outdoor furniture
Patio
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
Near the bay
Things to do
Bicycles
Bodyboard
Water sports equipment
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Snorkelling nearby
Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
Swimming nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
Fire extinguisher
General
Bicycles
Unit size: 725 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 25
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number SLP13236
We should mention
A car is not required for transportation to and from this property
Property is also known as
Balboa Island
Vrbo Property
Balboa Ruby Relaxation Newport
Balboa Island-ruby Relaxation Newport Beach
Balboa Island-ruby Relaxation Private vacation home
Balboa Island-Ruby Relaxation Reviews
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 47 out of 54 reviews
10 - Excellent
47
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 54 reviews
8 - Good
5
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 54 reviews
6 - Okay
2
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 54 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 54 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
9.8/10
Cleanliness
8.0/10
Property conditions & facilities
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Melanie W., Las Vegas, NV
2 Aug 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect stay! Patricia, Andrew & Ruby are the perfect hosts. We loved their place & enjoyed the patio everyday. The added touches like soap, shampoo, beach chairs, towels, bikes & wine made it so special. The location is a perfect with a mix of a quiet street and a quick walk to the water. Thank you for a perfect vacation.
Melanie W.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
D K.
30 Jun 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Balboa Island Dream House
I have rented many properties on Balboa Island. This unit is without a doubt my favorite. It is filled with that Balboa charm that we always look for. The home is only five houses to the water, and is accessible to the ferry and the shops and restaurants on Marine. The host was always very responsive. My only regret is that I didn’t book for a longer stay. But… we will definitely visit again!
D K.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Chris R.
15 May 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent beach rental
I was very impressed with the cleanliness and accuracy of the listing! The owner was really friendly and respectable. I had an amazing time at the property and they made sure I had everything to make sure my stay was enjoyable!!
Chris R.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Joy E.
4 Apr 2025
Joy E.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jodie S., Denver
1 Dec 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Family Friendly
We had such a wonderful stay at this very family friendly condo, our kids loved the single beds and the host spared no expense on all the details! This house had EVERYTHING thought out so well and the kitchen is STOCKED!! The hosts that live right up stairs in this two unit building, even left a fresh bag of coffee and filters for us! We would definitely book again if we are in the area!! 💜
Jodie S.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Sally R., Red Bluff, USA
12 Nov 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Very charming and great location
We really enjoyed this lovely gem. The hosts were very generous in making sure we had everything we needed from beach chairs to beach cruisers. The ferry is very close and it’s also a short walk to Marine Ave. where all the shops and restaurants are. We hope to return here every time we visit OC.
Sally R.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Louisa, Madison, WI
21 Jul 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Cute place, Best location
We loved our stay. Maybe slightly overpriced given the overall state of the aging property but the location is a win.
Louisa
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
8/10 Good
Pauline L.
15 Dec 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Cute apartment in great location!
We enjoyed our stay at this property. It is a cute apartment in a great location on Balboa Island, a few blocks from the quaint downtown and a couple of blocks from the ferry and steps from the water. The owners live upstairs and are helpful should you have any issues or questions. Parking was easy on the street. We used the bikes, and they worked well. The bathroom and kitchen are a bit retro and bathroom is on the smaller side, but it was totally fine for us. The only real negative for me was that on Thursday and Friday at 7 or 8 am, I was woken by planes flying overhead (as I think John Wayne Airport is nearby). My husband wasn't bothered at all. I am a light sleeper and he isn't. It didn't happen on Saturday morning thankfully. Just something to consider if you are a super light sleeper and noise freak like me. All in all, I really enjoyed our time at this property.
Pauline L.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023
6/10 Okay
Dane S.
5 Dec 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Inexpensive Balboa island Accommodations
While we always enjoy our visits to Balboa, our overriding impression for this property was that it’s excellent location deserves better maintenance and more thoughtful furnishings and decor.
Dane S.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023
10/10 Excellent
Erik K., Mapleton
2 Nov 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Great place, perfect location.
It was everything we expected and more. The check-in was very easy. The location was amazing. It’s definitely a quiet place to be at night. We walked and rode their bikes around the island a few times, and loved it! Riding the car/passenger ferry to the beaches was easy and cheap, a must do!
I would definitely stay there again.
Erik K.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Margaret S.
28 Oct 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Great
Hosts were very friendly and welcoming. Perfect location
Margaret S.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Janel R.
7 Sept 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely little oasis
We’ve stayed at the Ruby house two summers in a row, and we hope to be back. It’s the perfect size and location for our annual trip to Balboa. Patricia and Andrew are attentive without being intrusive. Highly recommend this property!
Janel R.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
Chelsea H.
3 Aug 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay on Ruby!
We had a wonderful 10 day stay at this perfect, clean home on Ruby. Excellent location. Patricia was a wonderful host and very accommodating.
Chelsea H.
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2023
8/10 Good
Andrea M.
3 Aug 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Balboa getaway
The location and value of the cottage were great! We had some trouble with the plumbing. And the stovetop was hard to get started. I also would recommend another comforter in the master. The duvet cover got all mixed up. Other than those minor problems, we would highly recommend!
Andrea M.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Kate B.
25 Jul 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful stay
We had a wonderful time. Great accommodations. Helpful hosts. Beautiful balboa.
Kate B.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
8/10 Good
Lisa R., Henderson
21 Jun 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Balboa Island Stay
We enjoyed our stay, GREAT location. Our only thought is that it could have been cleaner.
Lisa R.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
caren c.
14 Jun 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful stay!
Perfect location and very cute , well appointed cottage . Nice outdoor area. Andy was very welcoming and friendly. I would definitely stay here again.
caren c.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Victoria P., Niantic, Ct
23 May 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
A gem in Balboa
Perfect ! The cottage was cozy and has everything you’ll need. We enjoyed walking into town and along the marina. Quiet neighborhood with beautiful gardens. Thank you for sharing Ruby with us !
Victoria P.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023
10/10 Excellent
Deann C.
17 May 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing, comfortable, great location!
We loved our stay here on Balboa Island! The place was comfortable and relaxing and so conveniently located. We bicycled and walked everywhere. A perfect little getaway!
Deann C.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
10/10 Excellent
george m.
19 Apr 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
just perfect!
terrific location - close to bay beaches & balboa island ferry... most excellent and kind hosts!!!! just what we needed/wanted for a get away - will joyfully book again in the future
george m.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
10/10 Excellent
Gary W.
2 Apr 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Loved the Island
We had a lovely stay at the property. Would highly recommend. The island is small, so you can walk anywhere, and we would recommend walking into town via the path close to the water.
Gary W.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
10/10 Excellent
paula b.
27 Mar 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Ruby relaxation
Great location on the island with a nice outdoor patio too! It was perfect for my husband and me.
Although the 2nd bathroom is not inside the house,(just down the walkway) it wasn't an issue for us at all. Loved that they had beach bikes for us and that we could use them anytime!
Patricia and Andrew were very thoughtful hosts and very easy to work with!
paula b.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023
6/10 Okay
Frances C.
25 Jan 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Upgrade needed
We were disappointed to find the second bathroom was outside. My friend and I were expecting to have our own bathrooms. The living area and general decor were attractive but the kitchen needed updating for example no vent or functioning light above the cooker. The double bedroom was cramped. The owner is planning an upgrade which would be great since the location of the property is perfect.
Frances C.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023
10/10 Excellent
Cameron H.
16 Jan 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Loved the syat
Professional, relaxing and consistent with as advertised
Cameron H.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2023
10/10 Excellent
Craig F.
4 Dec 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Balboa Cottage!
We visited Balboa in 1974 on our first
date! Finally we got back and stayed the week. Hosts were awesome with a Welcome Basket and Bon Voyage gift bag.
All we could need and more was provided. It was particularly nice that unscented bedding towels and laundry soap was provided!